räntäsateeksi

Räntäsade is a Finnish term that describes a type of precipitation. It refers to a mixture of rain and snow or hail. This phenomenon occurs when the air temperature is near freezing point, typically between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius. As precipitation falls from clouds, it encounters layers of air at different temperatures. If the lower atmosphere is cold enough to partially freeze the raindrops or snowflakes, but not entirely, they can reach the ground as a slushy or icy mixture.

The visual appearance of räntäsade can vary. It may appear as large, wet snowflakes that melt quickly upon contact with warmer surfaces, or as small pellets of ice mixed with rain. The term is often associated with transitional weather periods, such as autumn and spring, when significant temperature fluctuations are common. While not as disruptive as heavy snowfall or icy conditions, räntäsade can make surfaces slippery and contribute to reduced visibility, posing challenges for transportation. The term is specific to Finnish meteorological vocabulary and does not have a direct, single-word equivalent in many other languages, often being described as sleet or a rain-snow mix.